The bill amends the General Property Tax Act to expand the exemptions for property taxes on homesteads owned by certain individuals. Specifically, it clarifies that real property used and owned as a homestead is exempt from taxes for any disabled veteran, the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, and now includes the surviving spouse of a public safety officer who died in the line of duty. The exemption for the surviving spouse continues as long as they do not remarry and applies to any homestead property they acquire after the veteran's or officer's death.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for obtaining the exemption, requiring eligible individuals or their legal designees to file an application with the local assessing officer. It specifies that taxes must be canceled for any year in which an eligible individual acquires title to exempt property and establishes that once granted, the exemption remains in effect without the need for reapplication until rescinded or denied. The bill also includes provisions for prorating the exemption if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year, detailing methods for calculating the exempted amount based on property tax levies.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 211.7